Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan, strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for politicizing the disaster situation in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a press conference, Chauhan accused BJP leaders of making misleading statements at a time when the state is grappling with severe losses due to natural calamities.
He stated that while the entire state government machinery was focused on relief and restoration work, BJP leaders were spreading false narratives, claiming that the government had not provided financial assistance to the disaster-affected population. Chauhan called this behaviour irresponsible and said such actions only served political interests, rather than the needs of the people.
Chauhan urged the BJP to set aside political differences and support the state’s efforts to secure substantial financial aid from the central government. “There will be enough time for politics, but right now, we need unity for the people,” he said. He also emphasized that it is the rightful duty of the state government to seek financial support and its legitimate share from the Centre.
Refuting BJP’s claim that no Congress ministers visited the affected areas, Chauhan highlighted the on-ground efforts made by several cabinet members. He mentioned that Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi walked the entire stretch from Chamba to Bharmour and stayed until the evacuation of all stranded Manimahesh Yatris. He also listed visits made by CM Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, and other ministers including Vikramaditya Singh, Rajesh Dharmani, and Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil.
Responding to criticism from the Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, Chauhan reminded him that the Chief Minister had personally camped in Seraj during rescue operations. He also added that several MLAs and ministers had been continuously monitoring the situation in their constituencies.
Chauhan welcomed the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state, acknowledging the gravity of the disaster, but questioned the clarity of the Rs. 1,500 crore relief announcement. “It’s still unclear whether the amount is a grant or scheme-specific, and we’ve received no official communication so far,” he said. He also questioned the purpose behind the visits of four Union Ministers, asking whether their presence translated into any real financial support.
Giving details of the state government’s own relief efforts, Chauhan said that Rs. 397 crore had been released from the state’s own resources in 2025, including Rs. 256.96 crore distributed across 12 districts, and Rs. 140 crore to various departments for relief measures. He also highlighted major enhancements in the compensation packages, such as:
-
Rs. 7 lakh for fully damaged houses (up from Rs. 1.3 lakh)
-
Rs. 1 lakh for partially damaged houses (up from Rs. 12,500)
-
Rs. 1 lakh for shops/dhabas (up from Rs. 10,000)
-
Rs. 50,000 for damaged cowsheds (up from Rs. 10,000)
-
Rs. 55,000 per large milch animal (up from Rs. 37,500)
-
Rs. 9,000 per small animal like goats, pigs, sheep, and lambs
Chauhan also rejected the claim made by MP Kangana Ranaut, who said that the Centre had released Rs. 10,000 crore in aid. “She must provide the details if she stands by that figure,” he said, challenging BJP leaders to present evidence instead of spreading rumors to stay in the news.
He concluded by stressing that the losses in 2025 have already reached Rs. 5,000 crore, while in 2023 the state suffered damages worth Rs. 10,000 crore, yet the Centre’s support remained limited. Chauhan urged BJP leaders to act responsibly and work with the state government to get the much-needed support from the Centre, instead of indulging in divisive politics.
